Discover the Heart of Yamagata’s Rural Bounty
Nestled along National Route 7 in the serene village of Yuzawa, Chōkai roadside station stands as a vibrant gateway to the natural and cultural riches of Yamagata’s Shōnai region. Surrounded by lush farmland, rolling hills, and the pristine waters of the Sea of Japan, this roadside station offers more than just a place to rest—it’s a celebration of local life and seasonal abundance.
At Chōkai, visitors can savor fresh seafood from the "Yokan no Hama" market, taste seasonal vegetables at the "Himawari no Kai" farm stand, and enjoy hearty meals at the "Taste Station" ramen shop and the "Hoho" bakery. With events like the annual Fish and Cod Festival, seasonal harvest celebrations, and live farm cameras offering real-time views of the surrounding landscape, every visit feels like a true immersion in rural Japan’s rhythm.
Why Visit
Chōkai roadside station is home to the region’s only fresh-caught wild rock oysters, harvested daily from the pristine waters of the Sea of Japan and sold directly at the "Genki na Hama" fish market. Visitors can also sample the exclusive Chōkai Cheese Festival’s artisanal mozzarella made from local Jersey cow milk, available only during the seasonal event. These are not just products—they’re a taste of the town’s coastal heritage and farming legacy, found nowhere else.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh, locally sourced meals at Chōkai roadside station, where seafood, seasonal vegetables, and handmade treats await.
Ramen
味の駅
Specialty
Traditional ramen with rich broth and handmade noodles
A cozy ramen stall offering authentic regional ramen with a savory broth, fresh noodles, and a variety of customizable toppings. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Bakery Workshop
ほっほ
Specialty
Freshly baked bread and pastries using local ingredients
A charming bakery workshop offering a range of artisan breads, pastries, and seasonal treats. The warm, rustic interior creates a cozy atmosphere ideal for enjoying a morning coffee or afternoon snack.
Fast Food Corner
ファーストフードコーナー
Specialty
Quick, convenient snacks and light meals
A casual food stall offering quick bites and simple meals for travelers on the go. The menu includes fried snacks, sandwiches, and drinks, ideal for a fast, satisfying stop.
Shopping Highlights
Discover a vibrant mix of regional produce, artisan goods, and local crafts at Chōkai roadside station’s bustling markets.
Fresh Fish Market
鮮魚直売所「元気な浜店」
Direct sales of fresh seafood caught locally from the Sea of Japan, including seasonal fish and shellfish.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Snow Crab
Farmers Market
農産物直売所「ひまわりの会」
A local farmers market selling seasonal vegetables, fruits, and organic produce directly from regional growers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Local Mountain Vegetables
Specialty Products Corner
特産品コーナー
A dedicated area showcasing regional specialty products for purchase, including preserved foods and local crafts.
Products
Must-Try Item
Dried Snow Crab
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like fresh sea bream, wild mountain vegetables, and handcrafted dairy at Chōkai roadside station.
Dried Snow Crab
干し蟹
Premium dried snow crab, known for its rich flavor and tender texture, perfect for snacking or cooking.
Preserved Sea Urchin
海胆の佃煮
Traditional Japanese preserved sea urchin in sweet soy sauce, ideal as a rice topping or snack.
Local Mountain Vegetables
山菜セット
A selection of wild mountain vegetables harvested in the region, including fuki-no-tou, yamabudo, and sansai.
Dried Anchovy
干し鯖
Sun-dried anchovies with a savory umami flavor, commonly used in soups and rice dishes.
Seasonal Fruit Jam
季節果実ジャム
Handcrafted fruit jam made from locally grown seasonal fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and cherries.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, picnic areas, and live camera views of the surrounding town at Chōkai roadside station.
Information Center
The roadside station features an information center providing visitors with local tourism information, event schedules, and guidance on nearby attractions and facilities.
Main facility area
Parking
Parking is available for visitors and travelers, located near the main entrance of the roadside station.
Near main entrance
Restroom
Public restrooms are available for visitors, including accessible facilities for people with disabilities.
Near main facility area
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is provided for visitors to use throughout the roadside station premises.
Throughout the facility
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric cars.
Parking area
ATM
An ATM is available for visitors to withdraw cash conveniently.
Near main entrance
Play Area
A play area is available for children, located within the facility grounds.
Near facility grounds
Nursing Room
A private nursing room is provided for mothers with infants, equipped with necessary facilities.
Near restroom area
Bike Rental
Bicycles can be rented at the roadside station for exploring the surrounding area.
Near main entrance
Pet Area
A designated pet-friendly area is available for visitors with pets, ensuring comfort and safety.
Near facility entrance
Activities & Experiences
Participate in seasonal events, farming workshops, and local festivals at Chōkai roadside station throughout the year.
Cod and White Turnip Festival
鱈ふく祭り
Celebrate the local harvest with a festival featuring fresh cod and white turnips, including food stalls, local performances, and seasonal activities.
Duration
120 min
Ice Column Trekking at Nino-taki
二ノ滝氷柱トレッキング
Hike through the stunning frozen waterfalls at Nino-taki, enjoying the winter landscape and natural ice formations.
Duration
90 min
Cold weather; proper winter gear recommended.
Recycling Market
リサイクル市
Participate in a community recycling market where locals exchange second-hand goods and sustainable items.
Duration
180 min
Anniversary Festival
周年祭
Join a celebration marking the anniversary of the roadside station and its affiliated shops, featuring food, music, and local crafts.
Duration
150 min
Spring Vegetable Seed Market
春の野菜苗市
Purchase seasonal vegetable seedlings and learn about spring gardening from local farmers.
Duration
60 min
Mountain Vegetable Market
山菜市
Explore and buy fresh wild mountain vegetables harvested in the region, with information on their culinary uses.
Duration
90 min
Sunset Festival
夕日まつり
Enjoy a beautiful sunset viewing event with local music, food, and evening illumination.
Duration
120 min
Sixteen Arhats Festival
十六羅漢まつり
Participate in a traditional festival honoring the Sixteen Arhats, featuring processions, cultural performances, and local food.
Duration
180 min
Fireworks Festival
花火大会
Watch a spectacular fireworks display over the night sky, accompanied by music and local snacks.
Duration
60 min
Weather-dependent; check for cancellations.
Obon Cut Flower Market
お盆切花市
Buy freshly cut seasonal flowers during the Obon period, with a focus on local floral arrangements and gifts.
Duration
90 min
Two-Day Market
ツーデーマーチ
Join a two-day event featuring themed markets, local crafts, food, and entertainment.
Duration
240 min
Flatto Cup Ground Golf Tournament
ふらっと杯グラウンドゴルフ大会
Participate in a friendly ground golf tournament hosted at the roadside station, open to all skill levels.
Duration
120 min
Bird Sea Mountain Deer Antler Cutting Festival
鳥海山神鹿角切祭
Experience a traditional festival involving the ceremonial cutting of deer antlers, with cultural performances and local food.
Duration
150 min
Harvest Thanksgiving Festival
収穫感謝祭
Celebrate the harvest season with gratitude, featuring local produce, food tastings, and community events.
Duration
180 min
Winter Vegetable Market
越冬野菜市
Purchase hardy winter vegetables such as root crops and greens, harvested for long-term storage and winter cooking.
Duration
90 min
Cheese Fair
チーズフェア
Explore a variety of local cheeses, enjoy tastings, and learn about cheese-making from regional producers.
Duration
120 min
Autumn Great Gratitude Festival
秋の大感謝祭
Join a joint event with five roadside stations in the Zao region, celebrating autumn harvest with food, music, and local crafts.
Duration
240 min
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around harvest seasons and local events for the best selection and authentic experiences at Chōkai roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s first batch of fresh-baked milk bread from the bakery workshop "Hohoho," which sells out quickly and is not restocked after 11:00 AM.
- Hidden Gems: At the deli counter in the food court, look for the daily special of pickled mountain vegetables (such as wild parsley and fuki-no-to) sourced directly from local foragers, available only during the spring and fall months.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, the "Himawari no Kai" farm stand hosts a live demonstration of local vegetable packing and offers discounted bundles of seasonal produce like red radishes, winter kabocha squash, and fresh greens.
- Seasonal Event: Arrive on January 2nd to attend the "Takifuku Festival" at Chōkai roadside station, where you can purchase limited-edition dried cod and sea bream from the "Genki na Hamaten" fish market, available only for sale during this event.
- Best Time for Fresh Seafood: Visit the "Genki na Hamaten" fresh fish market on Fridays between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, when the day’s catch of wild sea bream and rock oysters is delivered and displayed for immediate purchase.
- Specialty Product Alert: Stop by the specialty goods corner every third Saturday of the month during the "Cheese Fair" to sample and buy locally made artisanal cheese from the Yamagata region, often paired with regional honey and pickled vegetables.
- Farmers’ Market Insight: On the first Sunday of every month, the "Himawari no Kai" farm stand hosts a "Harvest Thank You Festival" where vendors offer free samples of seasonal root vegetables like yam and burdock root, and you can purchase them at a 10% discount if you bring your own reusable bag.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Visit in April for the spring vegetable seedling market and fresh bamboo shoots at the farm stand.
Summer (June-August): Enjoy the mountain vegetable market in June and summer events like the Fireworks Festival and Sunset Festival.
Autumn (September-November): Experience the Harvest Thanksgiving Festival in November and the annual cheese fair in October.
Winter (December-February): See the ice pillars at Nino Taki in February and enjoy the first sales and cod-fish festival in January.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Chōkai offers a children's play area, family-friendly food options, and stroller-accessible paths. Interactive elements like seasonal events and farm markets enhance the experience for families.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station features diverse dining choices including a ramen shop, bakery, and fast food. Fresh local seafood and seasonal produce from the farmers market elevate the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Chōkai provides restrooms and vending machines, supporting overnight stays. While quiet during off-peak hours, there is no explicit overnight parking policy, limiting full camping appeal.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located near natural landscapes and offering views of the surrounding countryside, Chōkai provides scenic viewpoints and seasonal beauty, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.